Motorways remain statistically the safest roads in the United Kingdom, but breaking down at 70 mph presents severe hazards. Understanding how to navigate All-Lane Running (smart) motorways and execute safe breakdown procedures can save lives.
What to Do if Your Car Develops a Fault on the Motorway
If your vehicle suffers a puncture, mechanical failure, or warning light on a motorway:
- Aim for the next exit or service area: If the vehicle is still drivable, leaving the motorway completely is always the safest option.
- Use the hard shoulder or Emergency Refuge Area (ERA): If you cannot exit, move across to the left immediately and pull into an ERA (marked with blue signs and orange road markings) or the hard shoulder.
- Turn wheels to the left: Point your front wheels away from active traffic lanes so that if your car is struck from behind, it rolls into the verge rather than into live traffic.
- Exit via the left-hand passenger doors: Never exit into live carriageway lanes. Ensure all passengers stand behind the safety barrier, well up the embankment.
Red 'X' Gantry Signs:
Driving under a Red 'X' displayed on motorway overhead gantries is illegal and subject to an automatic £100 fine and 3 penalty points. A Red 'X' signifies a closed lane due to an accident, debris, or stranded motorist ahead.
Emergency Kit Checklist for Every Boot
National Highways strongly recommends carrying the following items in your boot year-round:
- High-visibility reflective jackets for all vehicle occupants
- High-output LED torch with spare batteries
- First aid kit and foil emergency thermal blankets
- Mobile phone power bank charger
- Heavy-duty booster cables or lithium jump-starter pack